Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.
Chapter 27- Concerns and Clarification
Recap of Chapter 26 ending…
"With each obstacle, interruption or snag, my initial reaction is that I can take no more; I have reached my limit. Then it simply takes a different perception of my life, a different view of what is real, true and important to realize that my life may not be perfect, but I am truly blessed."
Elizabeth walked out into the almost empty parking lot and took a seat behind the wheel of her car. She pulled her phone from her purse and sent a text…
"Sorry I'm L8. Leaving now. B home soon…"
Jack was waiting at the front door when Elizabeth pulled into the driveway. "Hey, why don't I take you out to dinner?"
"Jack, I really appreciate the thought, but I'm tired and not very hungry. I think I'll just take care of Lizzie and go to bed."
"What's wrong; have I done something to upset you?"
She approached him, "Absolutely not. It's just a bad time at work, and I'm exhausted."
As they stepped inside, Elizabeth observed Lizzie eating dinner, "Thank you for feeding her."
"She's partly my responsibility now too."
Jack grabbed some wine, and cheese from the refrigerator and crackers from the cabinet and carried everything over to the sofa, setting the platter down on the coffee table. "Come on and talk to me for a few minutes. Tell me what's wrong."
Elizabeth took his hand as they sat side by side on the sofa, "You know, I've always wondered when I'd see someone sitting alone in a restaurant if they had any friends. It's so sad to be eating alone."
Seeing his confusion, she continued, "I love you, and I look forward to marrying you. But…"
"Oh no, I don't like hearing 'but…'"
"It's not what you think. I can't wait to marry you, oh and I'll find out tomorrow if I can take some time off."
"Okay, so what's wrong? Why does our wedding make you feel like you're eating alone in a restaurant?"
"With the exception of my family, none of my friends will be there. It's like eating dinner alone…" she leaned against him, as his arm around her shoulder pulled her closer.
His hand on her arm pulled her back slightly as his finger under her chin lifted her eyes up to meet his, "I chartered a plane to fly everyone back out to Santa Monica. Call your friends; maybe that will make them feel more comfortable about coming."
She smiled; the first one he'd remembered seeing all day, "You did that? For me? Jack, that was so thoughtful," she pressed her lips to his before jumping up from the sofa."
"Hey, where are you going?"
"I have some phone calls to make…"
As she grabbed her phone and ran upstairs to make her calls she stopped, "Hey Jack, do you know any hotels in that area? I want to tell people that we have that covered too."
"Come back down here and we'll look at what's available," he suggested and within seconds she was back by his side.
After looking at numerous options, the one hotel that had the desired location and ample availability was the Casa Del Mar.
Jack made a phone call, reaching the hotel's manager, Margo Fenwick. Initially he did the room negotiations, reserving everything that they had available, 23 rooms, before handing the phone over to Elizabeth.
"Hi, I'm Elizabeth, Jack's fiancé…"
"Congratulations Elizabeth. What can I help you with?"
"Well, we're getting married on the beach, but I was wondering if you have a room that we could rent for the women to get ready in? Also, how far away is the pier? We may need transportation to get us and our guests to the wedding site."
"Well, we have a beautiful room overlooking the water where you and your bridal party can get ready," Margo advised. "As for the distance, we're close to the pier, but really in a wedding dress it's not walking distance. We do have access to limos and would be happy to set up the transportation for you, your wedding party and guests.
Hoping to possibly gain some additional business, Margo inquired, "You know, we do have a bridal consultant here and we'd be happy to help with any of your last minute arrangements."
"Thank you for the offer, but we're just doing a simple ceremony. Do you have a restaurant that we could possibly bring everyone for dinner?" Elizabeth inquired.
"We certainly do. If you decide that you'd like to have dinner here, just give me a call."
"Thank you for everything," Elizabeth stated before ending the call.
"Okay, I'm going to call Sarah, Annie and Jessi from work. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Jack sat on the sofa and finished his glass of wine while munching on the cheese and crackers. Thirty minutes later, Elizabeth bounded excitedly down the stairs, "They're coming; all of them. I have friends Jack…"
He stood up, and walked toward the stairs as she leapt into his arms. Her legs wrapped around his waist as her lips, warm and sweet covered his.
With one arm around her waist and the other cradling the back of her head, he held her tightly against his body as his lips, still tasting of the Zinfandel wine he'd consumed met hers.
He felt the incredible electricity as it pulsed through his body. He held her in his arms, as his lips released hers only to find them again and again.
"You are an incredible man, Jack Thornton," she enthusiastically remarked. "This day couldn't possibly get any better; I think everything is done…the dresses, flowers, travel, hotel, a place for the service and dinner. I am truly blessed."
Jack placed her feet back on the ground, "Anything else that you want?"
"Jack, what I want is to be married to you. If we had time I'd have the beautiful arch with the teal drape and the chairs with the ribbons facing the water, but…"
"But what?"
"I can't have that, and I'm fine with it. What we have set up is what is needed. We don't have the luxury of time," she stated knowing in her heart what was truly important.
"So," she whispered as her hand brushed across the side of his face, "I'm starving; where are you taking me for dinner?"
"How about Barnhill's? I'd like a steak…"
"A burger sounds great," she stated as Jack took her hand and they started for the door.
Before stepping outside, Elizabeth stopped causing Jack to turn around, "Are you up for writing our wedding vows?"
"Absolutely, but I'm nowhere near as eloquent as you; so just keep that in mind. It will come from my heart, but my brain may not have much say in it," he laughed.
"Guess what?" she asked.
"What…?" he replied.
She leaned over and kissed him, before whispering, "I think technically we are down to less than five days."
"I've never been good at waiting…"
Now on with our story…
On their way to Barnhill's Elizabeth glanced at her engagement ring, "Oh no Jack…"
"What? What's wrong?"
"Rings, we don't have wedding bands."
"Okay, we'll hit the jewelry store before dinner."
Luckily, Patterson's Jewelry store was in the same shopping center as Barnhill's Restaurant. They rushed inside, only having thirty minutes to make their selections.
"Do you have an in-house jeweler who can do sizing?" Jack asked as Elizabeth scanned the cases.
"Yes sir we do. It usually takes two weeks to get the rings back," the clerk advised.
"Oh no, that won't do. We need them by Friday morning," Jack stated trying to keep his voice down as to not upset Elizabeth.
"I'll pay extra for a rush order. I'm…we're getting married on Saturday in California and I really need wedding bands."
"Let me make a call to the owner," the clerk commented before stepping away from the counter.
Jack walked over to Elizabeth, "Did you find anything you like?"
"They are all beautiful."
Jack leaned down, looking closely at a ring for her, "I like that one for you."
"Do you realize how expensive that is?"
"But it's beautiful."
"It is, but it's also $1899.99."
"Elizabeth, do you like it?"
"Jack, what's not to like, it's beautiful," she commented as the clerk returned to the counter.
"We'll take this one for her, and I'll take this one. That way both of them will have diamonds in them. Is that okay with you, honey?"
"Are you sure?"
"Elizabeth, the only question is, do you like it?"
"Yes, I love it…I love both of them."
Jack turned to the clerk, "Can we get them sized by Friday morning?"
"Mr. Patterson said that it would be $80 extra for the rush order."
"Deal…" Jack handed the clerk his credit card, and ten minutes later they were walking into Barnhill's for dinner.
It was now Tuesday morning, 5:30am, four and a half days until the wedding. Trying to get out of the house and early to work so she could attack the mounds of testing files in her office, Elizabeth quietly slipped into the bathroom to take a shower.
Jack's eyes flew open as the heard the bathroom door close and the water begin to run, splattering on the vinyl curtain. He stared at the wall, only seeing darkness. However, as he closed his eyes, he could picture her; naked as her strawberry vanilla body wash flowed over her soft, beautiful creamy skin.
As his heart pounded and respiration increased, he jumped out of bed, pulled on his tennis shoes, and headed for the staircase. Up and down the stairs he ran, hoping to get the visual of her naked in the room next to him out of his head.
Unaware that Jack was awake, Elizabeth wrapped a towel around her, covering the most intimate parts of her body. With another towel in her hand, attempting to wring out the wet auburn curls that fell over her shoulders, she headed downstairs to put on a pot of coffee.
As Jack paid attention only to the steps in front of him, Elizabeth's eyes observed his body, heading downward, muscles taut. As he turned back around and headed upstairs, the sweat beads sliding down his bare chest glistened from the soft light in the den.
Her mind was obviously not on the stairs as Lizzie ran passed, knocking her leg and throwing her off balance. Her sense of surprise was duly noted as her voice reached several octaves higher than normal, "Aaaaah," she yelled as she missed a step and started to fall.
Catching him off guard, he cleared three steps at a time, grabbing her towel with one hand as she reached for the railing. His arm across the front of her waist caught her and he breathlessly pulled her into his body, "Are you okay?"
Her hair, still dripping, mixed with the sweat on his skin, soaking his chest as he held her tightly against his body.
With the towel unsecured but trapped between their bodies, he felt her skin against his and the exercise he'd just done, running up and down her staircase four and a half times to forget about her naked in the next room was truly all for naught.
"Are you okay?" he whispered again into her ear as his eyes closed and his hands pulled the towel back around her.
"Thank you for catching me. I'm usually more careful, especially after…"
"Especially after what?" he asked.
Elizabeth secured her towel and took a seat on the top step, "A few months after I moved in I was carrying a basket of laundry downstairs. I didn't have carpeting on the steps at the time, it was just hardwood. Anyway, I slipped in my socks and down I went. Luckily I was only a few steps from the bottom, so I just banged up my knee and sprained my wrist when I put it out in front of me to break my fall."
Elizabeth shook her head and released a soft laugh, "I called a flooring company and had carpet put down the following week. I just assumed that it would not happen again. Well, technically I didn't slip on a bare step; I tripped over Lizzie," she stated as the dog sat at the bottom of the stairs dancing about as she anxiously waited on someone to feed her breakfast.
"What were you doing when you tripped?" he asked.
"I figured that you were still asleep so I was going to run downstairs, feed Lizzie and put on a pot of coffee. What got you up so early?"
Jack released a hard breath that came across much like a soft laugh, "Uh…"
"What's so funny?" she asked, clearly unaware of why he'd felt the need to exercise so early in the morning.
"Just your terminology…"
"Huh?" clearly she didn't catch his unintentional joke.
"Never mind, just thought I'd get some running in before you left…speaking of which, why are you up so early?"
"I have so much work piling up on my desk, and I have to finish it before I can leave on Friday," she advised. "Jessi, the other guidance counselor…oh she's coming to the wedding."
"Huh? What about Jessi?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. My mind is frazzled. Jessi took a stack of files for me. I sure do have some wonderful friends."
"Well, let's get you to work so you can get things done and get back home," Jack stated as he helped her up and walked her back toward her room. Standing outside her door he mentioned, "I'll go put on some coffee and turn Lizzie out."
As he turned away and headed back toward the staircase she called out, "Jack, thank you…"
"For what?"
"Everything…for loving me; for waiting for me; for saving me…"
Jack quickly made the ten foot walk back to her. One arm went around her waist and the other slipped behind her head as he pulled her close. His lips were as eager for hers now as they were thirty minutes ago when he first heard her step into the bathroom.
As he pulled away slightly, his lips met the soft skin on her neck. She leaned against the frame to her bedroom door, tilting her head to give him better access.
She felt the familiar sense of butterflies in her stomach when he whispered, "Elizabeth, you saved me that first night I met you. You are so unlike any other woman I have ever known, and everything I didn't realize I was looking for. I love you with everything I am…"
His lips met hers and the fire between them felt as though they were burning from the inside out. His tongue pressed through her partially opened lips, gently running along the soft, tender skin on the inside of her mouth.
Through her towel she could feel every part of his body pressed up against hers, and although she desperately wanted to call in sick to work and give in to her body's desire, she surprisingly realized that they only had…
"Four more days Jack," she reminded him as her hand behind her back turned the knob on her bedroom door and she slipped inside.
"Four more days…feels like a lifetime from where I stand…" he whispered as he frustratingly trudged down the stairs and into the kitchen to make coffee, and turn out Lizzie.
As he stood in front of the coffee maker, Jack observed Lizzie back at the door waiting to be let in. He momentarily stared at the dog that was obviously anxious for breakfast.
"We don't always get what we want…" he huffed before walking over and opening the door, letting the hungry dog back inside.
Lizzie ran to her food dish as Jack opened the refrigerator and pulled out salad fixing to make Elizabeth's lunch.
With her lunch packed and sitting on the entryway table, Elizabeth carefully maneuvered the stairs as Jack now held his breath; partially for fear that she'd trip again, but mostly because of how stunning she looked.
Elizabeth held the handrail as she slowly and carefully descended the staircase wearing a black Tahari belted shawl collar skirt suit, effectively taking the breath from his body.
He met her at the last step as his lips again met hers. Each kiss felt new and much like a breath of fresh air, leaving him knowing that there would never come a time where her touch would feel old, simply adequate or just enough.
She smiled, and gave him that look which always seemed to set his heart on fire, "Four more days, okay?"
"Four more days… I'm trying. Will you find out about time off? I'd like to work on our honeymoon," he commented.
"I'll let you know; if I haven't heard anything by lunchtime, I'll call school administration."
"Well, I'd like to take you some place special like maybe Paris, or Rome, maybe Australia? What would you like?"
"Jack, there is so much to see here in the United States, beautiful mountains, lakes, snow, The Golden Gate Bridge, and the Grand Canyon just to name a few. Besides, who are you kidding; my married friends joke about the fact that they rarely came out of their room," she kissed his cheek and walked outside leaving him standing with his eyes closed and thinking, "Just four more days…just four more days…oh who am I kidding; it feels more like a lifetime away."
Elizabeth walked into her office and bumped into Jessi who was walking out with another stack of files in her arms.
"The ones I took last night are back on your chair. I'll get these back to you by the end of the day, so don't worry. You concentrate on what you need for the wedding and honeymoon and the other stuff will fall into place," Jessi remarked as she turned to walk away, and several files fell from her stack.
Elizabeth reached down and picked them up, "I don't know how I can repay you for helping me like this."
"Hey, do you remember when I first moved here and I couldn't find a place that allowed cats? You opened your home to me and Roscoe and you will never know what a relief that was for me," Jessi stated as her eyes started to water.
Jessi continued, "You are a very dear friend of mine, and anything I can do to help you, I'm there, okay?"
"Okay, but I will repay the favor in the spring."
Jessi turned and walked toward her office, I will accept your help, but I doubt you'll still be here.
Elizabeth spent most of the morning answering phone calls, completing paperwork, and dodging inquiries about her fast approaching and rapidly planned wedding. Before she knew it, everyone was leaving and she hadn't heard about her request to take time off.
She walked into her townhouse and handed Jack a Hershey's chocolate candy bar.
"What's this for?"
"A peace offering."
"A peace offering for what?"
"Jack, I'm sorry, but I was so busy at work and before I knew it the administration office was closed. I told you that I'd know about my time off by today, and I let the time slip up on me. I'm so sorry; I promise to check first thing tomorrow."
Jack pulled her in for a hug, "Don't worry about it. I've already started planning, so we're good."
"I fixed dinner; I hope you are interested in Mexican…Tacos?"
"Mmm, smells good," she responded as she turned around and he helped her off with her coat.
"Go change and dinner will be ready in a few minutes," he suggested as he hung her coat up in the closet only to turn and observe her walking up the stairs. Walking toward him or away, she was the most breathtaking sight he'd ever seen.
Once she reached the second floor she turned and glanced down into the open foyer, "Jack, I don't know how I got to be so lucky."
"I was thinking the same thing…oh wait, that didn't come out right. I mean, I feel like the lucky one," he struggled to correct his initial thought as both laughed.
A few minutes later she descended the stairs, holding the handrail for safety; wearing a pair of sweats and a t-shirt belonging to Jack that she found in a folded basket of clean laundry.
"Isn't that my favorite…"
"Shirt? Yes, it is. It was in the basket of folded clothes. "Why, did you want it back?" she teased.
"Don't tempt me…well actually; it looks kinda sexy on you."
"Three and a half days, Jack…"
"More like a lifetime," he replied as they sat down across from each other at the dinner table.
Following dinner, they stood side by side at the sink; her washing and him drying, each one feeling comfortably domestic. As he dried the last dish and she her hands, he led her over to the sofa where he popped in the DVD of one of her favorite movies, The Notebook.
He took a seat beside her, his arm around her shoulders, pulling her tightly against his body. He wondered if there would ever be a time when he'd be simply satisfied. He loved her; he needed her, and he had to admit that right now he wanted every part of her, making him truly far from satisfied.
However, he sat, his eyes glued to the TV, but his mind far from the scene before him. He was thinking about the gift he'd purchased for her, and the plans he'd made for the wedding and hoped for honeymoon.
Elizabeth was enthralled by the movie, crying through most of it, but thankful that the two hour time span took her away from worrying about her own wedding, and the things she hoped she wouldn't miss.
Half way through, Jack was asleep. Tired of the tears, she turned off the movie, lifted his legs up onto the sofa and covered him with a blanket. She kissed his forehead before turning away and heading upstairs to her own room for the night.
It was now early on Wednesday morning, three days away from the wedding and she was feeling quite antsy. Standing in front of her bathroom mirror, she observed her flat hair, clean but unmanicured nails and what she considered to be a dull complexion. In need of a mani-pedi, a haircut and a facial, she wondered how she could fit a trip to the spa into her already jam-packed scheduled.
Elizabeth opened her date book and wrote, "Nails, hair and facial…call Luxe Spa." She slipped into bed and wondered if Jack's want for her was anywhere near her desire to be with him, and was it lady-like for her to want him so badly?
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him running down the stairs, so athletic, so muscular, and oh so very sexy. Her heart pounded as she found it difficult to catch her breath, while the butterflies, present since she started seeing Jack, were moving throughout her entire body. She closed her eyes and remembered how Jack's hands felt upon her body, so gentle, so tender, and so loving.
She felt flushed as she stepped out of her bedroom and stood on the landing watching him sleep. She turned around, "Cold showers work for men," she whispered as she headed toward the bathroom.
"This sucks…" she squealed as the cold water washed over her. "I can see why it works…"
Unable to sleep, Elizabeth sat on the side of her bed watching a talk show she'd never seen before. She could only assume that due to the early hour, the sensitive subject matter was considered to be appropriate for the likely adult audience.
The show consisted of a panel of four men, Paul, Matthew, Jerome and Jacob and a female moderator, Carla, discussing relationships. As expected, the men jumped right to various sexual encounters, some were long term relationships while others were simply one night stands.
"Look, I won't speak for the others," Matthew began, "but I'm an older guy. I've had really good long term relationships, and some pretty earth shattering one night stands…" he laughed.
Elizabeth whispered under her breath, "You're gross and I'm sure you'd be an embarrassment to your mother."
Matthew continued, "Sex is very important to me, and I'm still too young to be stuck in a relationship where she just isn't doing it for me."
Elizabeth again added her opinion, "Not doing it for you? Why would anyone want to do anything for you? WOW, what a pig…"
"I have to agree with Matthew," Paul added.
Elizabeth wanted to turn off the TV, but much like an anticipated train wreck, she couldn't look away. "Of course you'd agree. I guess men stick together. But then again, maybe I'm the one with the antiquated view."
Much to Elizabeth's dismay, Paul continued, "The physical side is very important in a romantic relationship. Just because a woman is beautiful or I might be interested in her, doesn't mean that the sex will be worth staying for."
WOW, I'm lucky that I found Jack, and that he doesn't feel like this…at least I don't think he does.
Carla interrupted, "Excuse me, are you referring to just hook ups or does this go for long term romantic relationships as well?"
Jacob laughed, "Look, I'm just 27; I'm too young to settle down with one woman. You know what they say…variety is the spice of life…"
Jerome sat quietly until the others turned to him expecting a response, "You know, I'd like to say that I disagree with the other guys, and in a sense, I do. I mean, they talk about everything in terms of themselves, what's good for them, with no consideration for their partner. I do agree that sex is important, and if a man is honest, he'll admit that a lifetime is way too long to stay in a relationship where the sex is just okay."
Matthew jumped in, "That's what I said…"
"Maybe so, but I'm saying that a woman wouldn't want to stay either if he isn't a good lover," Jerome clarified. "It's not just about us. Women have a need to be satisfied too."
A consensus for the men was that they would not marry a woman they'd never slept with, for if the sexual chemistry was not there, the relationship would never survive. Although Elizabeth turned off the TV, the damage was done and her mind was now spinning with thoughts of her own sexual inadequacies.
It was still early when Elizabeth dressed and headed downstairs. Jack's door was open, but his bed had either been made, or never slept in. As she walked toward the stairs she realized the latter to be true, finding him still asleep on the sofa.
Elizabeth quietly turned Lizzie outside, fixed a bowl of kibble and placed it on the rug by her water bowl. She buttered a piece of toast and put on a pot of coffee. Watching him sleep while her favorite morning libation filled the pot, she couldn't help but to wonder what married life would be like.
She knew that it wouldn't be all bedroom lovemaking, or other room lovemaking for that matter. She knew that even as well as they knew each other they would still face difficulties, differences of opinion, and disagreements, some of which she assumed might threaten even the strongest of relationships.
She stood at the kitchen counter eating her toast and fixing a travel mug of coffee. "Will I be enough for you?" she whispered as her eyes remained fixed on her stainless steel sink.
"Whoa, you scared me," feeling his hands on her waist she jumped and spun around to face him. "You were asleep; how did you sneak up on me; are you part ninja?"
His hand brushed several strands of hair behind her ear, "Are you okay?"
"Of course I am, why?"
"I heard you talking to yourself. Is something wrong?"
Elizabeth interrupted his thought, "Jack, I love you, and I want to marry you, but…"
"Please tell me that you aren't getting cold feet."
"Who…me? No, I want to marry you, but Jack, we're getting closer to the wedding night, and to be honest, I'm just a little nervous."
He leaned in and kissed her forehead, "No pressure for the wedding night, okay? We'll take things at whatever speed you feel comfortable with."
"It's really not that…oh forget it; I'm just being silly. It's not important," she stated as her warm lips met his, leaving behind a slight hint of the honey butter from her toast, and the caramel macchiato creamer she'd used in her coffee.
He held on to her hand, refusing to allow her to leave, "Don't leave; tell me what's wrong."
"Jack, it's really nothing. It's just all the planning and work and…"
"And what? I'm not letting you leave here until you tell me."
"You're going to laugh…"
"No I won't; I promise."
Hesitantly she responded, "What happens if we make love and I just don't like do it for you… Jack, you said you wouldn't laugh."
"I'm sorry, but that really is funny."
"Not to me…"
"Do it for me? That doesn't even sound like you, Elizabeth."
"Jack, what if I don't satisfy you? Will you really be okay being with me for the rest of your life?"
Jack's palms cradled her face, "Our love is so much more than just the physical act," he stated as he leaned down, his lips gently meeting hers.
"So you're thinking that it's not going to be good?"
"What? What are you talking about?"
"You just said that our love is more than sex, so I guess if the sex isn't good, you'll still love me."
"WOW, I'm not sure how you get that from what I said, but no, that's not exactly what I meant."
"What do I have wrong?"
Jack led her over to the sofa and they took a seat, "First of all, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make light of your feelings." He took hold of her hands, "Do you have any idea how just your smile turns me on, or how I can barely breathe whenever you enter a room? Elizabeth, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever known, but I don't mean just outwardly, you have inner beauty as well." He took his thumb and brushed away a few tears that formed and broke free from her eyes.
Jack's eyes watered as he continued, "Honey, making love is so much more than just the sex. I love you so much that there are times when I feel that my heart will just explode. So, when I say that there is much more to our love than just the physical act, what I mean is that making love to you will be like no other experience I've ever had simply because of the feelings and emotions behind it."
He ran his hands up and down his face in frustration trying desperately to find the words to explain, but feeling as though he was failing miserably. "When you have sex, it's truly just that physical release. I don't want that with you…I mean the physical release will be great considering we haven't…you know."
"Yes, I know."
"But, because of how I feel about you, the emotions are magnified…I'm sorry, I'm explaining this poorly. Please know that I'm not worried."
"But maybe you should be, Jack. I know we've talked about this, but…I'm not experienced, and well, you…"
Jack released a harsh breath, "You make it sound like I've been with a lot of women, and Elizabeth, that's just not true."
Jack's thumbs brushed over the top of her hands, "What brought this on?"
"It was a talk show on this morning. The men said they would never marry a woman that they hadn't slept with because…" she momentarily hesitated, "Oh Jack, basically it was if they didn't feel satisfied in the bedroom, the relationship wouldn't survive."
Elizabeth grabbed her purse, feeling the need to leave for work. As she went to stand, Jack held her arm, "Don't leave yet."
"Elizabeth, there will be things that you will enjoy, and I hope you will tell me, because I worry about satisfying you as much as you're worrying about satisfying me."
"Really…? You're nervous too?"
"Not about being with you, but maybe about making your first time everything you've always dreamed of."
Jack took a deep breath, and kissed her forehead before continuing, "Elizabeth, I'm like a kid at Christmas and I can't wait to unwrap you. You will always be by far my greatest gift. Please don't worry."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. If we're honest about what we want, about what we need, we will be fine, okay?"
She smiled as she snuggled into his body. They both sat quietly as his fingers gently ran up and down her arm. Elizabeth glanced at her watch, "Oh crap, now I'm late."
She jumped up, grabbed her bag, coffee, and a container of leftovers from the refrigerator, kissed Jack on her way by and ran out the door.
Hours later, Elizabeth returned from the lunch room and had barely taken her seat when her office phone rang.
"Guidance Department, Elizabeth Thatcher speaking…may I help you?"
"Elizabeth, this is Jake Harcourt."
"Good afternoon Jake; how are you?"
"Doing well. I'm calling because I saw a request come across my desk from you asking for some time off."
"Yes sir…"
"Elizabeth, it's me…Jake. What's this 'yes sir' stuff?"
"Just being respectful of your position."
"Well I appreciate that, but we're also friends. So, did I hear correctly…you're getting married?"
"Yes I am, and I'd like to take some time off for a honeymoon."
"You're just planning it now?"
"Well, uh yes. It's kind of rushed; you see, Jack plays baseball and will be playing for the Dodgers this season coming up. We just want to get married before all of the changes take place."
"Elizabeth…"
"Yes Jake; I know what you're going to ask…and the answer is no."
"You aren't leaving?"
"Oh, I thought you wanted to know if I was pregnant…"
"You know as an administrator I can't ask you that."
"But as my friend, you can…"
"This is an official call, so no, I can't. However, if you want to tell me, that's up to you."
"I already did."
"Did what?"
"I told you…no."
"Oh, okay…"
"So Jake, what are you asking?"
"Are you leaving your position?"
"I haven't decided. I love what I do, but…"
"You don't have to say it; living on the east coast with him on the west wouldn't be the best way to start a marriage."
"So, may I have some time off? I do have some vacation time, but I would be glad to go without pay if necessary."
"You put in for a week, is that enough time?"
"Well, I really wanted to ask for two, but I didn't want to be greedy."
"Okay, two weeks it is. I wish you the best of luck, Elizabeth."
"Thank you for everything, Jake."
"Oh, one more thing…"
"What's that?"
"Will you be able to get the testing information in before you leave?"
"Absolutely…"
"Okay, I've granted your time off."
For the first time since they set the date, Elizabeth felt some relief. She pulled her phone from her bag and immediately sent Jack a text.
"Gr8 news. I have 2 wks off starting next Monday…"
"WooHoo…" he texted back. "Hey, I love u…"
"I love u 2. C u soon…"
Jack ran upstairs and pulled his notebook from the bedside table. He made several phone calls to firm up the arrangements that he'd tentatively made earlier that morning.
Elizabeth closed the final file in a stack and glanced at the remaining pile containing approximately twenty files before putting her pen down and realizing that they would have to wait until tomorrow.
She took a deep breath and thought about the men she'd listened to on TV this morning. She was disappointed at how their concept of intimacy and love was so different from hers. However, unfortunately her idea of intimacy and love was different from most people she knew, men and women alike.
She considered the boys and men she'd dated through the years, and how the message from today's talk show seemed to be a generally accepted view. Sadly, she remembered being teased, bullied, embarrassed and goaded by many young men when she didn't "Put out" as they so crassly referred to it. Maybe that was why she rarely placed herself into the dating game, and given the reputation of many professional athletes, she was persistent in her refusal to become personally involved.
Elizabeth was thankful that her heart accepted what her mind already knew; that she had a need to take a chance, to change her way of thinking, understanding that the secret was not in fighting the old, but in giving the new the ability to grow.
Thankfully Jack entered her life; kind, considerate, trustworthy, courteous, loyal, honorable, thoughtful, sincere, empathetic, gorgeously handsome, and loving Jack. She smiled as her description came across much like that of a Boy Scout and she wasn't so certain that he would find her characterization to be manly, but it was true and something of which to be quite proud.
Never in her wildest dreams did she ever believe that she would find a man who made her so comfortable talking about uncomfortable things, but Jack did. Even with her best girlfriends, she often found herself begging out of sexually sensitive conversations. She wasn't sure if it was because she lacked the experience to actually have something to offer, or if she felt that the subject matter was inappropriate, hoping that the latter was the main reason. What happens between a man and a woman in a mutually consenting relationship should not end up being fodder for everyone else's enjoyment.
She was thankful that in this world of hate, selfishness and apathy, she'd found someone whose values transcend those of most men. She felt blessed to have found the kind of love she'd read about in fairy tales, and seen with her own parents, but never dreamed that she'd find herself.
Although the day had begun questionably, before she had even left her townhouse things were beginning to look up. She was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel at work; her wedding for the most part was planned, and she was granted two weeks of leave to spend with her soon to be husband. She reached into her bag and pulled out her journal, feeling the need to capture her excitement and thankfulness.
Elizabeth flipped to the next blank page and began to put her feelings down onto the white canvas…
"Intimacy in its truest form is not purely physical. It is the ability to connect with someone so deeply, so completely, so profoundly that a simple glance can penetrate their soul. It doesn't necessarily mean the act of sex or making love, for the truth is that the 'almost touch' can be much more powerful that the touch itself. Any relationship that brings us to this comfortable sense of intimacy is quite a blessing.
Throughout our lives we are blessed on a daily basis. From waking each morning, to the wonderful people we meet, be it temporary or permanent, to the work we do, and the love we share, blessings surround us. Therefore, we are tasked with making the best of each and every situation, forcing us to fight our fears and seek the goodness within.
Love life…love your life. Be thankful for all of your blessings and your innate ability to identify them. Be happy with who you are, standing firm behind the moral compass that helps define you. Many people are dissatisfied in life, finding the concept of happiness to be far from their reach. Often times they are unable to obtain that much sought after happiness because they view the past as being much better than it was, the present as being much worse than it is, and the future as being less certain than it will be.
In this world of uncertainty, we must realize that true unconditional happiness does not come to us when this, that or the other falls into place. It will only happen when we open our hearts and realize that which we already have is everything we need."
As Elizabeth, Jessi, Annie and Sarah were walking out to their cars at the end of the day, Annie asked, "So, have you gotten a hot little number to wear on your wedding night?"
"Of course I have…" Elizabeth commented as she felt the rosiness on her skin rising from her chest.
As each woman slipped into their respective vehicles, Elizabeth pulled out her cell phone and sent Jack a text…
"Need to go shopping for your gift. B home in a little while…"
"U don't need to buy me anything…"
"Well, actually it is something 4 me, but its ur gift…"
"Huh…?"
"Wedding night; my clothing…"
"It's our wedding night, no clothing is requested…"
"Hahaha…"
"Really, I found u quite hot in that towel this mornin'…"
"How about Italian for dinner? I'll bring it home…"
"Sounds good. Lasagna 4 me…extra sauce…"
"Got it. Love u…"
"Love u back…"
As Elizabeth attempted to nonchalantly walk into The Striped Banana, her phone buzzed signifying a text from Jack…
"Red…"
"Excuse me?"
"Get something in red…"
She laughed as she walked into the intimates clothing department of the store and saw several racks of red "Naughty wear" as her sister, Julie, used to refer to it.
As her heart raced, and embarrassment set in, she found very few items, excluding a headband here and there, that she would even consider wearing. She held up one outfit…
"Would you like to try that on?" the clerk asked.
"Uh…"
"You can it's just like with bathing suits, you have to keep your undergarments on if you do."
"To be honest, I'm not even certain which is the front…" Elizabeth commented as she kept turning the hanger in her hand from front to back…or was it back to front?
The clerk took the hanger from Elizabeth's hand and spun it around, "This is the front."
Realizing that she would have worn it backwards, she responded, "I think I'll keep looking."
Other than a strapless bra to wear under her wedding dress, Elizabeth saw nothing that didn't seem to force the breath from her lungs. She made the single purchase and attempted to walk casually out of the store. Elizabeth walked to her car and placed The Striped Banana bag into her trunk before venturing back into the mall and heading for Macy's.
She realized that it had been quite some time since she been into the mall and was surprised as she stood in front of Bare Necessities that there were two intimates stores in the same shopping center.
She glanced around and seeing no one she knew, she stepped inside. While looking at negligees, a clerk approached, "Do you need any help?"
"Uh…um, well…"
"Hey no need to be embarrassed. Are you looking for anything in particular? I mean our stuff is pretty tame. If you want more risqué stuff you can check out The Striped Banana or Sheer Delight over on Harper Drive..
"No, I think I'd prefer what you have in here, thanks."
The clerk laughed, "You would prefer it, but would your boyfriend?"
"Excuse me…?"
"Look, we use these as a turn on for the men in our lives. What do you think would turn him on? I mean we have all kinds of costumes. What's he into? Maybe a nurse, or a French maid?"
"Uh, do you have any bath towels?" Elizabeth asked as a soft laugh escaped her mouth.
"Excuse me?"
"Nevermind. I think I'll just keep looking," Elizabeth commented as the clerk began to walk away.
Elizabeth scanned the racks, and although she saw things she knew he would like, she would not feel comfortable in them, so she kept looking.
Twenty minutes later she had perused all of the "Normal" wear, and seeing nothing that she loved she thanked the clerk for her time and out the door she went.
"Elizabeth Thatcher…" a voice called out from behind her.
Elizabeth closed her eyes wishing that like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, she could click her heels three times and disappear. Not recognizing the voice she slowly turned around, "Oh, hi Mrs. Bunch. How are you?"
"I am doing great. I'm so looking forward to this wedding of yours. Your parents are going to come by and get me."
Mrs. Bunch was one of her mother's oldest and dearest friends, so although Elizabeth hadn't officially invited her, it did give her another body on the Bride's side of the aisle. "Well, I'm very happy that you're able to come."
"Well, I'm so excited, and by the looks of things, so are you," she stated as she glanced at the name of the store.
"No purchases, but I'm sorry, I need to run. See you on Friday," Elizabeth mentioned before hugging Mrs. Bunch and quickly heading toward a normal store…Macy's.
It was now 6:30 and she felt as though she was running out of time. She proudly walked into Macy's, and initially stepped up to the perfume counter. Seeing the advertisement for the Tom Ford Black Orchid perfume listing it as sensual, and feeling as though she wouldn't be sexy on their wedding night without it, she purchased it.
She then moved on to the intimate wear department. Possibly because it was a reputable clothing store she didn't feel quite as uncomfortable shopping for a negligee. After all, she'd shopped at places like Victoria's Secret for bras and panties before and didn't feel at all uncomfortable. However, most women wear bras and panties, but in her eyes, a negligee meant you are planning for a special night with a man, and although no one was the least bit interested in her shopping interests, she felt as though everyone on the store was staring at her.
Seeing nothing that caught her eye, she ventured down to Victoria's Secret, concerned that if she didn't find something, she would be wearing a bath towel on her wedding night.
Casting her fears aside and realizing that she was on a time crunch, she went from rack to rack. She found a mint green negligee with a cream lace plunging bodice. She took it into the dressing room, and tried it on, sending Jack a text…
"I'm n the dressing room with ur gift…"
Jack swallowed hard when he read her text. "Is it red…?"
"What is it about red? That isn't ur favorite color…"
"Not sure, but thinking of u in a red negligee, I think I'm having a heart attack…"
"Be home soon. U still want Lasagna…?"
"Yes, extra sauce…"
"Got it…"
Elizabeth changed back into her suit and headed toward the check-out counter. Passing another clothes round, the color red caught her eye, stopping her in her tracks. She grabbed the hanger and with the exception of the bold color, she loved the satin lace up negligee with the crisscross back.
Knowing this to be Jack's request, she draped the garment over her arm along with the mint green one, her personal favorite, and took her place in line to check out.
It was 8pm before she walked in the house with dinner. He greeted her with a deep, passionate kiss.
"Whoa, I could get used to this."
Jack took her food bag, but she refused to allow him to hold the other shopping bags. She slipped off her heels and headed upstairs to put her things away. She changed into a pair of plaid flannel lounge pants and a camisole top before heading back downstairs.
Sitting at the table, Jack had their food on plates and two glasses of wine poured. As she approached, he stood and pulled her chair out, scooting it back toward the table after she had taken her seat.
"How was your day?" he asked.
"Actually it was great. I only have one half of a stack of files left to finish, I was granted leave, and I'm sitting here with you. My day just keeps getting better…" she smiled before grabbing her phone, "Oh wait, I have to call my mom."
She shook her head as she dialed, "My parents invited Mrs. Bunch to the wedding, but didn't tell me."
"Honey, we have plenty of space."
"I know Jack, and Mrs. Bunch is my mom's oldest friend. I just don't want to get to California and not have enough room for everyone."
"Honey, that won't happen…"
"Hey mom…" Elizabeth called out as the call connected faster than she anticipated.
"Hey sweetheart. Do you have anything that I can help you with?"
"No, remember I told you it is a very simple service; nothing special, just family and friends out on the beach. We have a jet chartered…"
Grace interrupted, "Jack already told us. Oh, I invited Joyce Bunch; Jack said there was room."
"Of course there's room for her on the plane. We also have 23 rooms reserved at the hotel, and I don't really think we'll even use them all. Mom, I don't care if you invite anyone, just let me know so we can keep track of everything. If we go over, I just want to make sure that no one feels left out, okay?"
"Okay, I'm sorry…"
"Mom, it's okay. If we have to get another plane we will, right Jack?" she glanced over and directed part of the comment toward Jack who gave her an immediate thumbs up.
"What time do we need to be at the airport?" Grace asked.
Again Elizabeth glanced toward Jack, "What time do we need to be at the airport?"
"What time can you leave?" he asked.
"Friday is a half day. How about 3?" Elizabeth asked.
"Sounds good." He replied.
"Mom," Elizabeth returned to the phone conversation with her mother, "Jack said 3…"
"Okay, I'll tell your dad. Also, keep track of the expenses, because he's still planning to cover all the wedding costs."
"Mom, it's really not necessary, but if dad wants to cover the dresses and the hotel, Jack took care of the jet, and Jack and I will take care of the reception dinner, okay?"
"I can tell you that your dad is going to want to pay for everything, so I'll let you take it up with him."
"Okay mom. I'll see you on Friday afternoon."
"Okay, Elizabeth…I love you."
"I love you too, mom."
Elizabeth sat her phone on the table, and before taking her first bite of food she asked, "How was your day?"
"I missed you, but it was good. I went shopping myself, and bought your wedding gift."
"Is this like you buy yourself something but it's really for me to enjoy; you know, like my wedding night negligee is for me, but something for you to enjoy?"
"You will enjoy it…"
"Jack, please tell me that you didn't buy something to wear for me on our wedding night."
He laughed softly, "Nope, I'm fairly certain that I'm going to be naked…"
To be continued…